My morning ride

By Yinan Chen (www.goodfreephotos.com
(gallery, image))
 [see page for license], via Wikimedia Commons

Tears of sweat running down my cheek

Burning my eyes, with them closed

I am climbing along a mountain side

The hillside path twists and turns

Towards a vista of green valley, a river

Rippling below. I reach the top, 

Imagination giving me strength to push

Through. The ride down is bumpy and richly

Sun-dappled, the course brings me home

Safely. I wipe off the emotion and exertion

And open my eyes. 

Brightness that won't be denied

The light is careening off the air

In a slalom of sensation

Brighter than it has a natural right to be

Closing my eyes won't save me

From its preternatural distinctness

It will not be shut down